I am happy.
My team just took 5 points within 7 days and the stats man will tell you we only have tasted defeat once. Several teams above us are only ahead by a point but have also played a game or two more. As far as the football goes things are sailing along nicely.
So what about the other areas, well seeing I am in such a jovial mood and feel like facing the torrents of abuse dangerous thoughts like these can conjure I have decided to be the 'Devil's Advocate' so to speak. So indulge me (or bare with me at least) as I try show you the other side of Clive.
In late 2007 the original Gold Coast bid known as the "Gold Coast Galaxy" bid for the 9th A-league licence. In 2008-09 they were asked to stump up the cash. Fast forward to 2009 and the penny hadn't dropped - literally. By all reports the FFA were happy with the potential of the area but would not risk the financial uncertainty. Just as the locals gave up hope of having a team to support, in rides Clive with a bank book and a wish to own a team of his own with the view to exposing himself more in his beloved Chinese market.
He salvaged the staff and players already organised and kept them employed. He then opened up his cheque book and asked for a team that could win the title. He helped bring current Socceroo Jason Culina back to our shores in his prime. He also greenlit the spending on a host of great players as well as snaring the league's current golden boot to the team. Clive is definitely not shy in spending when it comes to building a powerhouse team; you only need to look at his negations with Harry Kewell or Robert Pires for this current season to prove that.
He gave the club a budget and factored in a $2 million loss, but allowed them to lose $4 million in the first season, and by reports the loss for this season could exceed $3 million. Despite this he has given approval for the club to re-sign any player whose current two year contract is expiring as long as the coaching staff wants to retain his services.
He stood up and asked some hard questions of the FFA, last year he was alone this year he has the support from the owners of Perth, Sydney and the Victory. Last year he was labelled as an agitator this year his and his fellow owners' ideas seem to be what the fans want. They want more autonomy and access to 'locked' revenue streams and for a better percentage of the sponsorship that the league generates. It has been reported that the FFA runs on a $96 million budget - from that its premier national competition receives $22 million.
Finally the most contentious issue surrounding the club. The crowd and the crowd cap. Most of you would have realised from my previous blogs and comments I am definitely PRO "turn up and break the cap". I believe that the only way to remove it is to continually prove its redundancy. I know we had an average slightly higher than 5000 last year and believe those who 'boycott' for the good of the club are actually hurting it. My work place was hit hard by the financial strains of the last two years. Jobs were lost and hours were cut. We had to do things quicker cheaper and smarter so when we did come out the other side we were stronger. So I have no qualms in the business decision to close the stadium to save $60,000 of un-used running cost. Seeing what Newcastle just experienced in not knowing if they would survive beyond the next two weeks and the fact that my club has directly met with the GC supporters group showing them that the cap will ensure the club will not and cannot fold while the supporters' numbers are so low only re-enforces my position. All this on the back of him and the management voicing their commitment and desire to make United work.
The team actively supports the members and players have appeared at a wide number of events, despite what people not living here tend to say. The team also trained with numerous local clubs over many Saturday mornings in the run in to the start of this season. They are out there in our community, but the community may not be responding.
Now everything is not so rosy and this is just the other side of the coin, and I know some people, even within the supporters would not like a change to their world view. All I have done here is to help you balance some views, and I respect that this long winded blog will probably not sway you or may increase your hatred or apathy. I also could of written just as much about what concerns I have with Clive and some things I think the club could be doing, but I will leave that for another time. As for now I am happy and keen for the next home game. I am also confident that somewhere along the line others out there like us will pop into skilled park and enjoy it enough to keep coming back.
Bring on the Kiwis on Friday and let's have a lamb roast - choice bro...
